But yesterday sailing expert Justin Cotter, who founded and now heads the charity, says it desperately needs an injection of corporate sponsorship and grant aid just to stay afloat.

Mr Cotter, 43, said the emphasis on Olympic success by big charity funders such as the National Lottery, was partly to blame for the sea school’s financial difficulties.

“The emphasis with sports-related grant bodies now is with centres of excellence and the Olympics,” he said. “But charities like ours, which aim to change people’s lives, are just as important.” -- Read on